With a culture of being very time-conscious and collectivist, the Japanese take seasonal practices very seriously. For example, when cherry blossoms come out in early spring, products are repackaged to flowery pink, and food, even Kit Kat, is infused with cherry blossom essence.
During summer, apart from consuming ice cream and ice-cold beer to soothe themselves from heat, the Japanese start eating unagi (eel). It is believed that eating unagi gives energy and strength to fight the scorching heat and even increases one's appetite. This traditional summer meal usually goes on sale at the end of July, depending on when summer season is officially announced (this year it was on July 24). Fast food chains like Yoshinoya as well as convenience stores stock up on unagi bentos and even offer other unagi-inspired products like unagi black beer and nobori (a summer drink infused with unagi essence).
The next time you're feeling lethargic and craving Japanese food, do try unagi and see if it does wonders for you.
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